Texas Rangers Blog

ARLINGTON — Two homers against Oakland right-hander Brandon McCarthy failed to earn Mitch Moreland a swing against a left-hander Thursday.

Moreland started the Rangers’ comeback from a three-run deficit with a two-run homer in the fourth inning and tied the score at three with a homer in the sixth. Nonetheless, manager Ron Washington never hesitated when Oakland brought in left-hander Jordan Norberto to face Moreland with a runner at second and two outs in the seventh in a game tied at 4. Washington went to Brandon Snyder, a right-handed hitter.

Snyder ended the inning with a fly ball to right. He also grounded out with the bases loaded to end the ninth.

Washington based the move on performance. Moreland is 3-for-16 with one homer against left-handers this season and is hitting .228 with two homers in 127 at-bats against them since the start of last season.

Snyder is 8-for-23 with three homers against left-handers. That includes a pinch-hit homer against Kansas City left-hander Jose Mijares on Monday.

“When Moreland faces left-handers, what’s it look like?” Washington said when pressed on the issue. “I felt comfortable with Snyder against the lefty.”

Moreland said that while he wants to play as much as possible, he recognizes Washington must make decisions for the welfare of the entire club. Moreland acknowledged he has been inconsistent against left-handers.

“The few times I’ve been in there, it’s been kind of spotty,” Moreland said. “I’ve felt good sometimes, and sometimes I’ve felt a little uncomfortable. I think [comfort] comes with experience.”